5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

The east coast is best seen at speed. This nine-hour boat day links Mauritius’ famous islands, a waterfall, Blue Bay snorkeling, and beach lunch in one well-packed outing. I especially like the small group of up to eight and the generous food and drinks. The main drawback is the early start and long day, with several stops that leave limited time at each place.

The trip begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, and a private speedboat can be arranged for groups of four or more. I also like the mix of active and easygoing moments: you can snorkel in clear water, watch for sea turtles and dolphins, then spend quiet time on Ile aux Cerfs with a drink in hand.

You should expect a proper speedboat ride, not a slow sightseeing cruise. The engine, spray, sun, and changing sea conditions are part of the deal. If you want a calm boat trip with long, unhurried stops, this may feel busy. If you want to cover a lot of the east coast in one day, it offers strong value at $125 per person.

The five details that shape the day

• A small speedboat group: The boat is limited to eight participants, and groups of four or more may be offered a private boat.
• Two different water experiences: You get fast open-water cruising along with snorkeling in the Blue Bay Marine Park.
• A beach barbecue with an open bar: Grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad, beer, wine, rum, juices, soft drinks, and water are included.
• A waterfall that reaches the sea: Grand River South East gives you a close look at one of Mauritius’ best-known coastal sights.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: The day includes chances to see sea turtles, dolphins, and wild Mauritian monkeys, but nature keeps its own schedule.
• A full east coast loop: The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Margenie, along with Grand River South East and Blue Bay.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

Your meeting point is the jetty at Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce. Search that exact place name on Google Maps before leaving, since the departure point is not a hotel lobby or a large visitor center.

The schedule can start early. One French guest had a 7:55 meeting time and an 8:50 departure, so allow patience around the morning check-in. That gap may reflect loading, late arrivals, or boat preparation. It is smart to arrive ready rather than expecting to step aboard at the exact meeting time.

Hotel and Airbnb pickup is available across Mauritius for an additional charge. This can be useful if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, but ask about the transfer cost before booking. At $125, the tour price covers the water program, lunch, drinks, and equipment, not every transport expense.

Speeding toward Ile aux Cerfs

The first scheduled stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This gives you a quick introduction to the island’s white sand and shallow coastal setting before the boat continues.

The stop is short, so use it with a plan. You can stretch your legs, take photos, and have a drink, but you will not have time for a long beach session here. The island returns later in the day, when you get more relaxed time for swimming, sunbathing, coconut water, and optional paid water activities such as parasailing and a tube ride.

A fast boat changes how you see the coast. You cover more water than you would on a standard island transfer, and the engine noise adds a little excitement. It also means you should protect your camera and phone from spray. Sunscreen is essential, and a waterproof bag is a sensible extra even though it is not listed as required.

Grand River South East and its coastal waterfall

The route then heads to Grand River South East. Here, fresh water runs toward the Indian Ocean, creating a waterfall best appreciated from the boat and nearby viewing area.

This is one of the more distinctive stops because it combines river, rock, forest, and sea in one view. You may also have the chance to see and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. That can be a memorable moment, but keep your hands and food under control and follow the guide’s directions. Wild animals are not a petting display, and feeding them can make them unpredictable.

This part of the trip is also a reminder that the tour is not only about beaches. The guide brings in natural sights and local wildlife between the island stops, which helps break up a full day on the water.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

After the waterfall, the speedboat heads toward Ile aux Phares, then passes Ile de la Passe on the way to Blue Bay. These islands add a historical and scenic layer to the route, which is one reason the day appeals to people who want more than swimming.

The visit can feel brief. You are moving through a chain of islands rather than spending hours on each one. That is the trade-off for seeing so much in one outing. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a formal history lecture at every stop. The tour description promises history, adventure, and exploration, while the main practical emphasis is on views, cruising, and time in the water.

Snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main snorkeling stop. Equipment is provided, and the water is described as clear, with tropical fish visible below the surface. The setting is often compared to a giant aquarium, which gives you a good idea of the appeal: this is the most active water stop of the day.

The guide provides snorkeling instructions and keeps an eye on the group. One guest specifically noted that the current can be stronger than expected, and that the skipper helped shorten the swim for anyone who wanted to return to the boat. Take that seriously. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the session, but you should be comfortable in open water and willing to follow directions.

Sea turtles are included among the possible wildlife sightings. Dolphins may also appear during the cruise, and one outing recorded four dolphins. Still, the operator cannot control wild animals. Book this for the marine setting and the snorkeling, not for a guaranteed turtle or dolphin encounter.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide before entering the water. The boat crew can watch the group, but your comfort level matters. Bring sunscreen that you can reapply after snorkeling, and remember that sun reflection from the water makes a long day feel hotter than expected.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the opening of the bar

The boat passes by Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is also when the all-inclusive bar opens fully, with Mauritian beer, wine, rum cocktails, juice, soft drinks, and water.

The drink package adds real value to a long day in the sun. You do not need to buy each bottle or cocktail separately, and water is included. Still, pace yourself. Alcohol, speedboat motion, heat, and snorkeling do not always mix well. Eat lunch, drink water, and save the stronger drinks for when you are finished swimming.

The boat returns toward Ile aux Cerfs by way of Ilot Margenie. This final stretch gives you another look at the lagoon and lets the day’s route make sense as a broad east coast loop rather than a single beach transfer.

Beach lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

Lunch is prepared on the beach at Ile aux Cerfs. The spread includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included as well.

This is a generous menu for a boat day, especially if you want a proper meal rather than a sandwich between activities. The food also suits a mixed group, since you have meat, fish, pasta, rice, and salad. The exact preparation and serving setup may vary, but the meal is designed to be eaten beside the beach rather than inside a restaurant.

The beach setting is a major part of the value. You can eat, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit with coconut water while the crew handles the meal. Live music or a sega show may provide entertainment, adding a distinctly Mauritian touch without turning the whole afternoon into a staged performance.

You may also choose parasailing or a tube ride during the free time. These activities are listed as options, but the tour price does not state that they are included. Ask the crew about the extra cost before committing.

What the small group changes

A boat limited to eight people is a strong reason to choose this trip over a large shared excursion. You spend less time waiting for people to board, get in the water, or gather at a meeting point. A small group also makes it easier to speak with the skipper and ask for help.

For four or more people, the operator may make the boat private. This is especially useful for families or friends who want to set the rhythm themselves. A private boat does not guarantee that every stop will be empty, but it can make the day feel less rigid. You may also have more room for questions, photos, and adjustments.

The experience depends heavily on the skipper. The available feedback gives strong praise to the boat crew for safe handling, clear snorkeling instructions, punctual operation, and friendly service. One German guest said the driver made the speed feel safe, even at the pace expected from a speedboat. That matters because this is not a gentle ferry ride.

Is $125 a fair price?

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It is also not simply an island transfer. The price bundles a nine-hour program, speedboat transport, several island and coastal sights, snorkeling gear, a beach barbecue, unlimited snacks and drinks, and a small group.

The value improves if you plan to eat and drink on the tour, want a guide, and would otherwise book separate boat trips or activities. The private option for four or more can also make the cost easier to justify for a family or group of friends.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want two quiet hours on a beach. In that case, the many stops and long boat ride may feel like too much. You are paying for variety, speed, and the convenience of having the day arranged for you.

The tour has an average rating of 4.4 from 156 reviews, with especially strong praise for the small group, food, skipper, snorkeling support, and smooth transfer arrangements. The most useful lesson is practical: the quality of your day rests on the crew and sea conditions, so check the forecast and keep your plans flexible.

Who should book this speedboat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day with several distinct experiences rather than one long beach stop. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends, especially four or more people who may qualify for a private boat.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like speed, open water, snorkeling, wildlife sightings, and an easy lunch arrangement. The boat languages include English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, which is useful for a mixed-language group.

This is less suitable if you dislike engine noise, get seasick, want a slow pace, or need guaranteed wildlife sightings. The nine-hour duration also means you should be ready for a long day in sun and salt water.

Bring sunscreen and a camera. Add a waterproof phone pouch, a hat that fits securely, and a light cover-up if you have one. Most important, arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty with the meeting details saved and enough time for boarding.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal Mauritius day includes a fast boat, several islands, a waterfall, Blue Bay snorkeling, a proper beach barbecue, and drinks without constant extra charges. The small group and attentive snorkeling support give it an advantage over a crowded boat outing.

Skip it if your priority is silence, a guaranteed dolphin or turtle sighting, or a long uninterrupted stay on one beach. For everyone else, $125 buys a busy but varied day that makes good use of the east coast. Just respect the pace, watch the sun, and remember that the ocean gets the final word on wildlife and sea conditions.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps to find the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts nine hours. Check the available start times when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off across Mauritius are available for an additional cost. They are not included in the $125 tour price.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants. If you are a group of four or more, the operator may offer you a private speedboat.

What food is served for lunch?

The beach barbecue includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Unlimited snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour has snorkeling sessions in Blue Bay Marine Park.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold your place without paying immediately.